Life Preservers – Three Must Have Pieces of Life Saving Equipment

 

Life preservers are personal flotation devices (PFDs) intended to keep the wearer afloat, especially in case of accidents on the water. The commonest type of life preserver used at sea is the Type I PFD, and it will keep even unconscious people afloat in the face-up position.

 

 

Also known as a “kisby ring” or a “perry buoy,” these life preservers are thrown to a person in the water, to provide buoyancy and prevent drowning. They are usually circular or horseshoe-shaped with a connecting line, allowing the casualty to be pulled to the rescuer. Coast Guard approved life rings are considered Type IV PFDs in the United States.

 

These life preservers can be zipped or snapped, and usually fit over the shoulders and across the chest and back. Life preservers of any type should add buoyancy to the person in the water, and life vests are no exception. These vests are usually covered with brightly colored neoprene or nylon, with cores of foam, cork, fibrous glass or other light, floating material. There are also inflatable life vests, which are commonly seen on aircraft.

 

This type of personal flotation device is for conscious people who can keep their heads out of the water. Canisters holding inflatable life rafts with a twenty-four-person capacity have replaced the wooden lifeboats used on ocean-going vessels in the early twentieth century. Most states have implemented policies regarding the provision and use of life preservers on boats.

 

While adults are not required to wear life preservers in most states, it is still a good practice to don one before venturing on the water, since you never know when an accident will happen.